Breaking Into Sports: Tips From Old Pros

Last Updated on March 24, 2025

A career in sports is what many people dream of. Playing, coaching, or being in the environment always warms the blood. But the red stuff cools down again when you realize how hard it is to break down the barrier. Unfortunately, the sports industry is exclusive and insular, so it isn’t open to the public.

The good news is that the tricks of the trade always get out in the end. The following tips are from old pros who have worked throughout the industry. If these don’t open doors, nothing will.

What This Article Covers

• Understanding Industry Barriers: Learn why breaking into the sports world is challenging and how insiders navigate its exclusive environment to build lasting careers.
• Building a Personal Brand: Explore how creating a professional and consistent online presence helps you stand out and gain credibility in the sports industry.
• Gaining Hands-On Experience: Discover ways to accumulate relevant experience through internships, volunteering, and certifications to boost your sports career prospects.
• Networking for Opportunities: Understand how forming strategic connections within the industry can open doors and lead to referrals for competitive roles.
• Staying Current with Industry Trends: See why keeping up with evolving sports business practices is essential for long-term career growth and positioning.
• Developing a Resilient Mindset: Learn why persistence and adaptability are critical traits that help professionals thrive and overcome rejection in the sports world.

Start Young

Let’s face it – everyone wants to be a player before becoming a coach or a journalist. No one grows up and aspires to be watching from the sidelines. You are desperate to be in the thick of the action instead. Although you must count on luck, there are ways to get ahead. One thing that sports scouts say among them is that the younger the kids start, the better. Why? It’s because it allows the machine to mold kids into something different.

Children don’t always perform well under pressure, which isn’t great in a pressure environment. The longer the kids have to impress, the greater the chances of success. Plus, the likelihood of being scouted after 16 falls dramatically.

Sacrifice

It isn’t a nice thought, but even children at a young age have to sacrifice a lot if they want to succeed. The truth is that sports franchises don’t have the time to babysit individuals. They want people to act a certain way from the beginning to give everyone the best chance of progression. That means training hard, cutting off friends, and avoiding girls and alcohol. While the rest of the group does everything a kid dreams of, you must put it off until later. Whether you look at Lionel Messi or Kobe Bryant, they all went through the same thing.

Work Weekends

Maybe your playing days are behind you? If they are, you need to find a new avenue. Coaching is an excellent way to get your foot in the door if you are ready to commit. The reality is that coaches don’t get a lot of money, and they work long hours. But it’s the long hours that pay off in the end. Working weekends shows your dedication and helps you keep up with the trends.

Sports don’t run off gut feel anymore. Thanks to techniques like Moneyball, organizations understand the importance of qualifications. In 2017, they want people with the right skill set because sports constantly change. That means there is no time for a day off.

Go Back To School

Experience is one of the best ways to gain the knowledge you need to succeed. But it isn’t the only option. Going back to school isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Adelphi offers an online sports management degree, which is worth considering. A university isn’t the best place to learn more about an industry that fears the outside world.

But the world is changing, and so is the industry. A degree is as good a way as any to learn how the sector works and how to break down the door. Plus, it stands out a mile on a resume. Specific roles in sports won’t accept you without one anyway. Sports journalists or management positions, for example, only hire university graduates.

Make Contacts

Sports are boys’ clubs. Anyone who doesn’t understand this won’t get very far. But, if you can wrap your head around the concept, it’s possible to use it to your advantage. Think about it rationally for a minute, and you’ll see the big picture. Sports rely on recommendations from trustworthy sources, so you need a referral. How do you get one? You can start by networking. Making contacts is the best way to keep your ear close to the ground and snap up an opportunity. You might have to do them a favor in the process, but that is part and parcel of being a part of the industry.

Who knows? You may change how it works once you break into the industry. After all, you have to play the game before you can change the game.

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Build a Strong Personal Brand

Establishing a compelling personal brand is essential for standing out in the competitive sports industry. You can position yourself as a valuable asset to potential employers by consistently showcasing your expertise and passion. To achieve this, consider the following strategies:

• Professional Online Presence: Maintain updated LinkedIn and social media profiles that reflect your skills, experiences, and career aspirations.
• Content Creation: Share insightful articles, analyses, or blog posts related to sports topics to demonstrate your knowledge and thought leadership.
• Engage with Industry Leaders: Participate in discussions, comment on posts, and connect with professionals to increase your visibility and credibility.
• Consistent Messaging: Ensure that your brand communicates clearly and consistently about your professional identity and goals.

Acquire Relevant Experience

Gaining practical experience is crucial for breaking into the sports industry. Hands-on involvement allows you to apply theoretical knowledge, develop essential skills, and build a portfolio that showcases your capabilities. Consider the following avenues:

• Internships: Seek internships with sports organizations, agencies, or related businesses to gain industry-specific experience and insights.
• Volunteer Work: Offer your time at sporting events, community programs, or local clubs to demonstrate commitment and expand your network.
• Freelance Projects: Undertake freelance assignments in areas like sports writing, photography, or analytics to build a diverse portfolio.
• Certifications: Pursue certifications in areas such as sports management, analytics, or coaching to enhance your qualifications and marketability.

Stay Informed About Industry Trends

Remaining updated on the latest developments and trends in the sports industry is vital for maintaining a competitive edge. A deep understanding of current events, technological advancements, and market dynamics enables you to make informed decisions and contribute meaningfully to discussions. To stay informed:

• Subscribe to Industry Publications: Regularly read reputable sports business journals, magazines, and online platforms to keep abreast of news and insights.
• Attend Conferences and Webinars: Participate in industry events to learn from experts, discover emerging trends, and expand your professional network.
• Join Professional Associations: Become a member of sports industry organizations to access resources, training, and networking opportunities.
• Engage in Continuous Learning: Enroll in courses or workshops focusing on new technologies, methodologies, or best practices relevant to the sports sector.

Demonstrate Persistence and Resilience

Breaking into the sports industry requires unwavering persistence and resilience. The path may be fraught with challenges, including intense competition and potential setbacks. Embracing these obstacles as opportunities for growth is essential.

Cultivate a mindset that views rejection as a learning experience, and remain steadfast in your pursuit of success. By continuously refining your skills, expanding your network, and staying committed to your goals, you position yourself to seize opportunities and navigate the industry’s complexities effectively.

Next Steps

• Update Your LinkedIn Profile: Highlight relevant experience, industry certifications, and your personal brand to attract recruiters and build credibility in the sports field.
• Apply for Entry-Level Roles or Internships: Target organizations with active sports departments to gain hands-on industry experience and expand your network.
• Join Industry Events and Webinars: Attend conferences, panels, or online events to stay informed, make connections, and demonstrate your commitment to the field.
• Start Creating Industry Content: Publish sports-related articles, analyses, or videos to show expertise, boost visibility, and start meaningful conversations with insiders.
• Enroll in a Sports Management Course: Choose an online program or workshop to gain structured knowledge, improve your resume, and stay current with evolving industry demands.

Final Words

Breaking into the sports industry may seem overwhelming, but it becomes an achievable goal with the right strategy, persistence, and mindset. The most successful professionals often started small, worked tirelessly to build their reputations, and leaned into every opportunity to learn and connect. Your journey will be defined by how well you adapt, network, and position yourself for visibility and growth. Stay focused, be intentional in your actions, and remember that building a career in sports is a long game worth playing.